Meeting Report

Introduction

The First Consultation of the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases GF-TADs, for the Andean Region was held in the City of Guayaquil, Ecuador with the collaboration of the Andean Community (CAN) AND THE SUPPORT OF THE Veterinary Services of Ecuador (SESA), organized by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Representatives from four countries of the Américas attended this meeting such as Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru, among them 2 Delegates to the OIE. Also representatives from FAO and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Regional Representation for the Americas were present.

A presentation on the GF-TADs was made, followed by a round of comments and discussions by the participants on necessary actions to be undertook in the Andean Region.

The following comments were made by participants:

Conclusions and Recommendations

1.- That International Organizations (OIE-FAO-OPS-OIRSA-IICA-CAN) shall provide permanent training to the Veterinary Services staff on preparation of epidemiological surveillance programs, diagnostic laboratories, sanitary emergency control, risk analysis, based on some countries successful experiences and the veterinary services strengthening needs

2.- That the International Organizations shall advice countries as to reach harmonization of legislation based on the OIE international standards and regional standards.

3.- To set up contingency programs in the Andean countries with the International Organizations permanent advice and that the CAN shall recommend the countries to set aside funds, set up legal norms and procedures to be applied during sanitary emergencies.

4.- To strengthen veterinary services infrastructure and quality according to OIE standards.

5.- Identify country laboratory capacity building and at least one regional laboratory of reference by disease, in order to improve diagnostic services authorizing official and public laboratories to integrate national laboratories networks.

6.- Improve transparent exchange of animal disease information among countries notifying diseases.

7.- Encourage private sector active participation in planning, training, diffusion, participation in regional, national and international forums on communication, prevention, control and eradication of transboundary animal diseases.

8.- Improve social communication for prevention, control and eradication of transboundary animal diseases.

9.- Adequate country surveillance systems to OIE standards when requiring sanitary status recognition.

10.- List of diseases notifiable to the OIE are ratified (FMD, BSE, CSF, AI, Screwworm and Rabies), but also PRRS and NC are required to be incorporated to this list.

11.- That OIE/FAO shall arrange donors and cooperation organizations participation.

12.- Encourage technical human resources labor stability at different levels of the veterinary services to prevail experience and continuity of animal health national programs.

13.- Request the International organizations to provide assistance, cooperation and technical support according to country needs.

14. – Reinforce communication, coordination and joint work among institutions at a regional, national and global level.

15.- Set up clear, prompt and transparent norms and procedures for producers compensation for application of official sanitary measures, with the participation of public and private sectors.